ENGI46515: Biomechanics

• None

• As specified in programme regulations.

• As specified in programme regulations.

• To provide a basic overview of anatomy and physiology relevant to the study of Biomechanics, along with an insight into the methods of characterisation of physiological function and body dynamics.
• To provide an overview of the mechanical properties of soft and hard tissues (in healthy and pathological conditions).
• To explore the analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques used for studying physiological solid mechanics (from cell to tissue, to organ level) and human body dynamics.

• Multiscale overview of biological tissue structure and functions.
• Mechanics of biological tissues (soft tissues, hard tissue, cell mechanics).
• Techniques for characterisation of physiological tissues.
• Constitutive Equations of isotropic, orthotropic bio-solid materials and non-hookean behaviour.
• Rigid body dynamics applied to the human body.
• Gait Analysis and Inverse Dynamics.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• A basic understanding of functional anatomy and physiology suitable for the study of Biomechanics.
• An understanding of the constitutive equations used for studying bio-solid mechanics.
• An appreciation of complexity, benefits and limitations of the models currently used/being developed for studying Biomechanics and Biomaterials.
• An awareness of the different biological material characterisation methods, from cell to tissue, to organ level.
• An understanding of the clinical applications of biomechanics (gait analysis, inverse dynamics).

Subject-specific Skills:

• Analytical methods in Biomechanics.
• Computational methods in Biomechanics.
• Ability of comparing different methods to solve the biomechanical problem.
• The capability to independently analyse the Biomechanical problem.
• The capability of performing literature search on a specific biomechanics problem.
• The ability of interacting and communicating with experts coming from different fields (biological sciences, biomedical sciences, clinical medicine) thanks to a common language.

Key Skills:

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
• Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.
• Appreciation of the assumptions and limitation of constitutive modelling, capability of assessing and quantifying model accuracy.
• Develop an ability to communicate technical concepts (technical writing) effectively.

• The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by self-learning sessions and formative problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem-solving capability.
• Students can make use of staff "office hours" to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for one hour per week per lecture course.
• Students will be required to submit formative problem sheets throughout the academic year into the virtual learning environment to check their understanding as the course progresses.
• Students will be formed into study groups and will attend timetabled self-learning sessions (up to a maximum of two) during the Michalemas and Epiphany terms.
• A benchmark test will take place at the start of the academic year. This will be used to guage students understanding and direct them to further study as appropriate.
• A mock exam will take place in the Epiphany term. This will be used to provide students with an exam type experience in a formative setting and allow them to discuss their performance with a member of academic staff.
• Written timed expaminations are appropriate because of the range of topics covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and analysis of bioengineering scenerios independently.

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